[MNsnowbird]

I am a Minnesotan who is tired of Minnesota winters and am considering relocating to Southern Alabama or Florida in the next few years. My cousin who lives in Hoover, AL suggested the Fairhope or Daphne area of AL. I'd be looking for a retirement type community with activities for younger retired folks, a good Catholic church, a Secular Franciscan Fraternity if there is one, a nursing job, and to continue my interest in collecting books. Housing would have to be less than $200.000. At this stage of life I just need a roof over my head but low maintenance. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Keeper]

Mobile is the archdiocese for lower AL.
Archdiocese of Mobile

I think there are several areas as far as housing available in your price range but who knows what real estate will be like in 2-3 years.

[Utopian]

Please visit our city's website (Welcome to the City of Fairhope, Alabama). Sounds like you might enjoy our town as much as these former Chicagoans/Memphians.

We became "official residents" of Fairhope in June, 2003, after renting here while checking out the town and other southern areas for six months. Real estate prices have increased, as they have throughout the country, but there are many new developments just outside of town, and perhaps you'll find a "bargain" in the current real estate market.

Good luck to you. I hope that you find the "right fit" for yourself. And, as a wonderful Fairhopian told us when we moved here, "Once Fairhope's sand is in your shoes, Fairhope will be forever in your heart."

All the best.

[Alatex]

Fairhope probably tends to be a little more expensive, but has a very attractive little downtown - great retirement community.

Daphne is generally less expensive for comparable property, closer to the big shopping centers and close enough to commute to Mobile easily, if need be.

[Chris Bassett]

The Eastern Shore was very nice several yrs. ago. It is very expensive to live there and is not worth it. Crime is on the rise and the schools are no good. You have alot of poor rich people that are snobs. There is a big issue going on about propery taxes being so high. The Mobile Press has written several articles about the tax problem. There are many places in Alabama to live that would be much better.

[bhalpin]

Originally Posted by Chris Bassett

The Eastern Shore was very nice several yrs. ago. It is very expensive to live there and is not worth it. Crime is on the rise and the schools are no good. You have alot of poor rich people that are snobs. There is a big issue going on about propery taxes being so high. The Mobile Press has written several articles about the tax problem. There are many places in Alabama to live that would be much better.

I strongly disagree with the taxes our taxes are only 660 per year in a very nice 2200 sq foot home in Daphne. We live close to all the shopping. I do not know that my neighbors or friends are snobs, they are people who did move from Mobile to get away from crime, the schools are better unless you choose a private school in Mobile and it is very family oriented in the Eastern Shore. I am sorry for your bad experience though I hope you'll reconsider how you feel.

[StazzyBeach]

I'm sorry, I would have to disagree with one of the posters.
The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place to live. I was born and raised in Hawaii and have lived in great places around this country. But the Eastern Shore is a very special place to live. The beauty and the people make it great. Fairhope/ Point Clear, Daphne are awesome offer so much quality of life. There are also fellow Minnesotans living around one of our homes in Foley. And you can still purchase a fine home in all of these towns at a very affordable price!

[snookie]

We are relocating to Fairhope and while house hunting noticed many homes for sale in the Fairfield Place subdivision. Anyone know why?
Many thanks for your reply,

[oscottscotto]

The eastern shore is great for older folks. It is very nice, very safe, and very "naturally attractive". If I were 20 years older, I'd live there in a heartbeat (I'm 28). Not for me right now though.

[StazzyBeach]

To Snookie-
Regarding seeing a lot of homes in the Fairfield Place subdivision, actually there's many homes for sale everywhere compared to three years ago. Like the rest of the nation, there is an overload of inventory at low rates.

All I can say is lucky you, being a buyer now. You'll get a great rate in a Great Town. Always buy in the best school district. And buy close to downtown Fairhope. It is a piece of American pie w/ lots on annual wholesome, family fun events.